A Little Stress, A Little Test...

This will be me a little later this morning. Well okay, I'll be wearing clothes. Definitely a bra. There will be mixed company in the room. As casual and relaxed as I have become over the years to the "world" looking at my chest, I'm really not quite comfortable having "the girls" go for a jog, while I'm meant to be walking...

A stress test. I'll be stressed before I take the test. A little test to check my stress, which is already stressing me out. So not looking forward to this.

Four years ago at the time I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the ECG I had pre-surgery indicated that I had experienced a heart attack at some point (perhaps the day I was given "the word"??). Seemed strange to me that I'd have a heart attack and not know it but there you go, apparently it does happen.

While I was awaiting surgery I was referred for a stress test (and an echo cardiogram, another ECG, a Doppler, all to be followed with the piece de resistance, the angiogram), the first I'd ever done. As a regular power walker, I assumed this would be a piece of cake. I was going to say a walk in the park, which I would truly have preferred to do. I felt I would have no difficulty performing this simple task.

I hadn't counted on nerves and panic and the stress of worrying that I had perhaps really had a heart attack. Heart disease runs rampant in my genetic history. Dealing with breast cancer and heart disease all at once seemed just about more than I could cope with.

I was strapped up to all the gizmos...I was ready to roll. Did I mention that I faint easily?! I started to walk and it seemed fine, this was okay, I could do this. And then the little man who was administering the test hit the speed it up button. All I could see was Lucy and Ethel sitting at the conveyor belt in the chocolate factory and that woman yelling "speed it up"...and my little legs began to pump just a little faster and the incline went a little higher. My breathing became more rapid (gasping for air might describe it better). I felt light headed and little beads of perspiration formed along my hair line (ah heck, I was sweating, who I am kidding...).

All seemed to be going well, albeit that I was huffing and puffing like the wolf at the brick house (you know what kind of brick house I mean). The little man looked concerned at the tape that was issuing from my machine. He looked at the tape. He looked at me. He looked at the tape again. He called to the cardiologist to come and have a look. They both looked concerned -- never mind the panic that was racing through my veins...I wanted to know what was on that print out myself! Dr. Naidu (my now cardiologist) asked me how I was feeling. That's all it took. Not only did I want my mother, I wanted off the machine. So I very nicely asked, with I'm sure panic stitched all across my face, to please stop the machine and let me get off. And they did. Probably afraid I'd faint on it, have a heart attack, fall off it or burst into tears. All options seemed open to me.

I will admit that I felt a little sheepish when a man of about 80 was marching away, happy as a clam, and he'd been at it for quite some time. Defeated? I felt crushed. Here was this man old enough to be my grandfather and he was in better shape than me?? I slouched my way to the doctor's desk, with my head down, hoping no one was really watching or had seen my pathetic display.

My test was fine. Every test I had was fine. Never in any stretch of the imagination or test conducted did it indicate that I had ever, at any time, had a heart attack. But I'm glad we checked. And I now have a cardiologist. Given my family history, that's really no bad thing.

So I'll go off today and attempt this once again. I will embrace the challenge. It has been four years after all (and I've rescheduled this test twice since being given a date in the fall!!). Could it be so bad? I will hold to the fact that I have no reason to fear my little heart. I will do my best. I will pay no attention to the person conducting the test, or to the piece of paper that comes out of the machine. Perhaps I should have practiced?? Too late now... Must remember to wear a sports bra......feet don't fail me now...

Even The Title Made Me Laugh

I had to renew this book twice in order to read it. And I almost didn't read it before it was due the second time. Only two renewals allowed per book. Yes, I could return it and check it out again, but I was determined to not let this one get away from me. I do have my quirks and one of them is "beating the clock" in strange little ways. Perhaps it's more of a challenge to myself.

My quirks aside, I loved this Amy Tan story. It was worth reading all nearly 500 pages and the best part was the laughter. More than once I laughed out loud, long and hard. Amy Tan has a way of telling a story and creating such visual imagery that you cannot help but laugh.

I was reading at night and laughing for such a prolonged period of time with such huge gulps erupting from me that one of my children came to see what on earth was so funny. When someone is laughing like this -- from the belly, with abandon, it makes others laugh too. As he walked into my room he had a smile on his face and he was laughing as he asked me what was so funny.

The thing about explaining what makes you laugh is that in the telling it is not nearly as funny as you think!! Even though he didn't see the humour in what was obviously elevating my mood level, he enjoyed the fact that something as "simple" as the written word was taking me higher.

If you read this book, or have read it -- let me know if Saving Fish From Drowning captures your imagination as it did mine.

Beware the Blueberry

This is one of my very favourite fruits. I love a blueberry eaten right out of my hand. I love a blueberry (or several handfuls) on my cereal in the morning. I love a blueberry pie or a blueberry tart. I loved them long before I knew that they were good for you, filled with wonderful antioxidants.

But beware. A blueberry, a simple, straightforward, tiny little blueberry like this is also a missile. Oh yes, a projectile missile. So small, so unassuming and filled with the potential to do some serious damage.

On Tuesday as I was sauntering up and down the aisles of one of the local supermarkets, I was looking up, checking the aisle signs for something Mexican, or something that said salsa. I was, in fact, looking for green chilies which I never did find. The store managers had reorganized the shelves since I had last been there so I was confused.

I took a step in one of the main aisles and felt my left foot suddenly sliding out from underneath me...in a very cheerleader kind of move. If you know me, you know it's hilarious even thinking of me as a cheerleader. My leg continued to slide, I dropped the basket I was carrying and realized I was just going to have to go with the flow...the leg went, the ankle hit the cement floor. The right leg went down, slam full on, right on the cement and it skidded for a while (I left skin on the floor as testimony to the skid marks). At that point my right elbow completed the fall. My purse crashed behind me. I had no idea that I could do the splits that well, but then, I did have a little "help". Talk about "greasing the wheels".

And there I sat in my splendor. A woman, quite a few years older than me tried to help me up which was awkward with one leg going north and the other going east..but we did it. And as she yanked me up she yelled "sue the buggers, sue them all!"

My instinct was to laugh so I did...at how silly I felt, how 6 years old I felt as another customer asked if I was all right. All right? My teeth were jarred, my spinal column was compacted and my knee was aching, but hey, I was "all right".

I did manage to tell the cashier to get someone to clear the skid from the runway as I was cashing out with my few purchases and gingerly made my way home.

My children took very good care of me and plied me with a very large glass of red wine to calm my nerves and sent me to the garden to recuperate and gather my shattered nerves and scattered marbles.

Banana peels?? Oh I say they cause no problem...you can see them. Beware the tiny blueberry. One never knows the havoc it can cause!!!

*photograph originally uploaded to flickr by kmrphotography

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

On a day when the rain came and walking the beach wasn't going to be as enjoyable (a few drops never bother me, but rainy days and the beach just don't go hand in hand), we decided to drive south and explore more of the South Carolina coast. Our destination was wherever we decided to land. Pawleys Island was it.

We stopped at the Hammock Shops Village on Route 17, a charming spot with 22 boutiques featuring artisan works particular to the area, as well as the aforementioned hammocks. How I wish I had trees in my garden that would accommodate a hammock!!

These shops are built within a park like setting and while we didn't buy a lot, it was enjoyable to browse and see the kind of work these local artists were creating.



A must was a purchase from the Candy Cottage which caters to purchases by the pound, and features "old tyme" candy that I haven't seen for some time.

Carolina Gourmet was a delight -- my son purchased some interesting spices and mixes for cooking and barbecue and I found some cashew rolls to bring home (my guys like cashews, not pecans) and some Charleston biscuit mix!! I still haven't prepared these biscuits...I am waiting for the "right" moment (read, temperatures returned to normal and not humid ... I want to savour every bite!).

I found my wrist cuff in Pawleys Island Mercantile and there were so many wonderful items to browse through...choosing just one thing was not easy!

At X-Marks the Spot my son was in his glory, browsing sports team merchandise. We both noticed that college teams are very prevalent and popular in the U.S. This store carried little crabs with football helmets. I'm not sure really what I think about that idea...those poor crabs, but they obviously sell! I did find a few things in this shop to bring home for gifts.

This round object on the ground which we passed as we strolled through the village caught my eye.


It's a grinding stone used in the production of rice. According to the sign above it,


Always so much to see, to learn, to understand when you travel.

first two photographs used in this post are from the web.

Finding Beauty

On Monday, Brandi at Welcome to the Joy Rebellion issued a mission for anyone who chose to accept it...to find the beauty in the unexpected. I had already snapped this photograph of a dandelion which most consider a weed, on Sunday afternoon, just before the grass was cut. I'm glad I caught it before that happened.

As a child, how many of us plucked these beautiful bouquets and blew on them to send the pods flying through the air? Did we realize that we were re-seeding weeds? No...we were making wishes and being children and reveling in the joy of watching something blow away in the wind. And we wished and wished and wished.

I didn't pick this dandelion and I did not blow on the pods. But I did look at each individual piece of this dandelion ready to seed and made some wishes. And I know that those pods have been spread to re-seed because the lawn mower did that for me. Next spring and summer I will see evidence of that throughout the lawn.

Twelve years ago today my mother left this earthly life. I remember her beauty and the beauty she brought to my life. I'm making wishes on each part of this dandelion with my mother in mind.

Room...With This View....

This is where we stayed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (I'm sure there were some people reading here who wondered if I was ever going to talk about the ocean and the beach....good things come to those who wait...). Our room was on the second floor, second room from the right. And even looking at the photo of the hotel from the beach, I am convinced this is the same spot where the Tropical Dunes once stood. As a matter of fact, I think this IS the Tropical Dunes, refurbished.

The room was great (the kitchen was in the bottom left of the photo where you can't see -- including the fridge with the ice maker in the freezer!)...and I had the bed by the sliding doors..of course. It was moi that needed/wanted the water and the waves so of course I chose this bed. I also had the air conditioner blowing full blast...so I had a stiff neck every morning...it was worth it! (an interesting side note. Best Western no longer uses comforters on the beds..for reasons of hygiene. We had these amazing white sheets/comforter combo that is 100% hypo allergenic and they were brilliant! The comforter was folded down at the bottom of the bed should you wish it -- which we never did. As for pillows, 4 pillows, 2 feather, 2 foam were loaded at the head of the bed and were ideal for snuggling with to sleep or curling up for a good read on the bed).

This is the view from the balcony of our room that greeted us late on the Monday afternoon of our arrival....





It was wonderful having palm trees right at the edge of the balcony, one of which you could reach out and touch as you sat in the rocking chair, dreaming away....

And watching people pack up for the day as the sun was beginning to set? I didn't mind because I knew they'd all be back again the next day...and so would we!

*first three photos are from the Best Western Grand Strand website

Creatively Juicy with Dirty Footprints Studio

I watched this tutorial on Connie's blog the other day and loved it. Wishing that every elementary school had art teachers as vibrant and enthusiastic as Connie. Calling a classroom a "studio", injecting students with a love of colour and design and a freedom to create. Learning to live a "creative juicy life". It is never too old to be a student and to learn these wonderful lessons. And yes, you guessed it...I've gone out to buy some chalk and oil pastels of my own.....

What I'm ♥ Right Now...

♥ my short, sassy, sexy hair

♥ my "Hot for Chocolate" nails

♥ my gladiator sandals



♥ my espadrilles (first pair I've eva' owned and found on sale for $12.99)



♥ late summer sound of cicadas

♥ the cardinal who "lives" outside my window and sings me awake every morning

♥ my Bodum french press coffee maker

♥ all the boho tops I found on vacation (these two from Unity World and Nicole Miller)




♥ biscuits!!



♥ homemade sangria

an easy recipe given to me by a friend years ago. I love that it's simple and easy and delightful! Perfect for sipping on a hot day while reading and enjoying the breeze or to share with friends.

2 cups red wine
2 cups white grape juice
2 cups sparkling water
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tbsp. lime juice
garnish with oranges and limes.



♥ Nars make-up

♥ the wrist cuff bracelet I bought in Pawley's Island, S.C. (I'm just noticing that if you look closely at this photograph you'll see a "brown" indentation in the middle of my hand near the wrist...it's the spot that was used quite a few times for the IV for my chemo and that indentation happened 4 years ago...)



♥ all the new music I discovered I liked while ridin' in the car (click on any of the band names to be taken to a corresponding you tube video):

♥ Death Cab For Cutie

♥ and this Death Cab

♥ new AC/DC

♥ Nickelback (it makes me bat-sh&* crazy!)

♥ Hard-Fi

♥ Audioslave

♥ The Trews

♥ Linkin Park

♥ Arcade Fire (Where the Wild Things Are should be awesome!)

and every time I hear any of this music it will immediately send me back to a wonderful adventure with my son as we drove our way down and back up through the United States.....


♥ being a survivor...and the beautiful bracelet created for me by my breast soul sistah LuLu who is the heart and soul behind Coastal Sisters both on their website and at her etsy shop. I was simply blown away when LuLu told me she was making this bracelet for me...no reason, other than that she has a kind heart and wanted to give me something to make my survivorship even more special. You can't really see it from the photograph and it was hard to get with the camera, but the little circle disc says "survivor". I can't even begin to thank her enough for this and LuLu knows how grateful I am and how blessed I feel. ♥


What are you ♥ right now?

*edited to add this: for those who want to know how to create a heart in a post, it's quite simple. Do this -- but leave no spaces in between. It will look plain when you type it, but when you print you will have a heart.
& hearts ; and as I said, no spaces between, just run it all together. Voila, you will have ♥

Ever Searching...

I sit here enjoying my Sunday, with a late start and a late rising from my bed. Drinking my freshly brewed Archer Farms coffee (cinnamon vanilla nut -- and again I am reminded how much I wish we had Target here in Ontario), making egg salad to enjoy a little later in a sandwich and musing about all I still have to learn, to know, to enjoy.



I spent most of last night and this morning reading in bed...finishing "The 19th Wife" by David Ebershoff (not simply because it was a good book -- I had borrowed it from the library and it is due--yesterday. I can't renew it because it is on hold for someone else and I can return it to the library today through the drop box). An amazing book that kept me entertained, but more than that, it sparked my imagination and my thirst for knowledge. Of course I know about Mormons (thank you to the Osmonds!), and Joseph Smith and Brigham Young and I'd heard of Ann Eliza Young. But there was much that I did not know and still do not know. While "The 19th Wife" is a work of fiction, there is always fact and truth mixed in. I have a desire to visit Utah, the Great Salt Lake and to know more about the Church of Latter Day Saints. My oldest son has known a young man since they were boys playing baseball together who is a Mormon and just returned from his two year mission. I realize that I do know "bits and pieces" but can bits and pieces ever be enough?



And I realize one of the many truths about myself. I love to travel, to see new places, meet new people, absorb culture and way of life. It's why I've been talking with an accent for the last week and referring to people as "y'all". It's not disrespect, it's how I am, it's who I am. I "become" and assimilate and whenever I copy something it is because it has meaning to me. And I realize that whenever I return home from a trip I begin poring over maps and looking at places and thinking ahead to where I would like to venture next. My son told me our next adventure is the mountains which interest him as we did ocean for me. You can imagine where my road atlas has fallen open.

The Mountain State

I've been through West Virginia four times in the last 19 years. I've slept in West Virginia twice...once many years ago in Beckley on the way home from Myrtle Beach. It was a little traumatic being in Beckley as our car "died" as we rolled down a hill. Thankfully we had just started a CAA membership and all was taken care of. We had a lovely ride in a tow truck with a "good ole' boy" who was quite friendly and offered me a recipe for squirrel stew. You don't encounter that every day when you live in the big city! It was an experience I will never forget!! This time it was in Parkersburg, on the way to Myrtle Beach the first night of our trip. The motel wasn't much of a much (The Red Carpet Inn if you please...though I was hard pressed to find a red carpet!)...didn't see the complimentary continental breakfast they advertised in the CAA Tour Book (though I did smell some heavy curry coming from the motel office...), and the hair dryer they claimed to have had been ripped from the wall. I did admire the fake flowers in the vase on the night stand though. A homey little touch. You do indeed get what you pay for. But it was a place to rest our heads and that's all we needed.




We stopped for breakfast the next morning just outside of town at Mickey D's ...son was eager for his steak and egg bagel (which is no longer offered in Canada) and I was salivating for a biscuit. I love my biscuits and that's something else we can't get at Mickey D's in Canada. Come to think of it, I don't know where you'd go in Canada to get a biscuit. It is a very American "delicacy". I'll be talking about biscuits again I'm sure!



When I think of West Virginia, I think of coal mining and mountains, train travel and old time living.



I am completely taken with the friendliness of the West Virginians. At a stop for a bathroom break and breakfast (10 minutes before breakfast stopped being served!), we were in the McDonald's in Princeton, just north of Bluefield at the bottom of W.Va and the top of Virginia on our way home (please note lest you think we have one track minds, McDonald's was not our only choice of place to eat...but it's great for breakfast and a pit stop no matter where you are!). The customer ahead of us had just ordered and stepped aside and as we walked up the young woman behind the counter said to us in her delightfully sweet accent, "can ya'll believe thet man is from all the way up to Canada???" and we laughed and said "yes, can you believe we're from all the way up to there too?" and she burst out laughing. Then said in true surprise "well heavens sake, what are ya'll doin' in West Virginia???" She was just such a delight and chatted away to us about life while they gathered our food. We smiled all through breakfast about nothing really, just enjoying being happy, enjoying the food and how something as simple as a conversation with a stranger can make the day start so beautifully.



The scenery in West Virgina is beautiful with much to enjoy as you wind your way through the state. Mountains indeed. And valleys. And blue skies. And rivers. And bridges. Big cities like Charleston and Morgantown. And little towns along the way like Liberty and Goldtown, Prosperity and Flatwoods.



It's no wonder they sing about country roads, taking them home....it is almost heaven...

The Lime in the Coconut

What smells beach to me? Coconut. Lime. Coconut and Lime. I just love the scents separately and together.

While in Myrtle Beach one thing I needed to do was visit the "package store" (as they call it in the U.S. while up here in Toronto it's "the liquor store" (I always thought my dad was calling it the "licorice store" and was sorely disappointed when I never got any!), or the LCBO - Liquour Control Board of Ontario) so I could get some Malibu Coconut Rum. I just loved that I paid $12 for the size bottle I'd have paid about $26 for up here! We are SO heavily taxed on alcohol!!! We didn't drink it all but there was just something so "right" about finishing off the afternoon with some coconut rum mixed with fruit juice, and sipping that on the balcony while soaking up the breeze and listening to the ocean.



The wonderful bonus was the hair care products the Best Western uses. Bath and Body Works Coconut Lime and Verbena shampoo and conditioner. Mmmmmmmm!!! I was using those instead of what I brought with me and the housekeeper was so great about leaving me more, even though she could see I didn't need any. So every time she left me 2 more (plus body lotion thank you very much!), I'd toss them in my suitcase to bring home and relive those "beach memories". Yes, I can purchase these products at Bath and Body Works (especially love that this chain is now in Canada), but it was all about the hotel being on the same page with beach "mojo" as me.

What scents do you associate with specific times/places/events?

*photographs from the web

Adding a little somethin' somethin' here...Delwyn commented that they can't buy alcohol in grocery stores or convenience stores in Au...we can't do that in Ontario either. Has to be in the specified LCBO or Beer Store. We must not be "mature" enough to handle that here in Ontario. In Quebec you can buy beer and wine in convenience stores...but to my knowledge, not alcohol, though Bonnie and the two Kims could set me straight on that. Not sure about how the other provinces govern that even though I've been to many of them...I'm just not "up" on my laws there. The U.S. is so uncensored about that, though I like that they check photo I.D. for every purchase. Not that kids don't have fake I.D.s, but you take the point.

Patti's Paper Quilt of Birthday Love

Remember when I talked about participating in a paper quilt for Patti Digh's birthday? Patti is beginning to assemble the quilt and is still receiving pieces in the mail. If you haven't participated but would like to, please read this post. It will also show you how many pieces Patti has already received in contributions to this wonderful birthday quilt. The above photo is a piece of the photo on Patti's blog which shows what I contributed...my little quilt square is in the top left corner and the card I sent it in is in the bottom right corner.

It's a good feeling to be even a small part of something created with so much love!

Road "Gear"...

No road trip is complete without (a) good coffee, a "big gulp" from a roadside rest area that the locals frequent or a $1.00 large "sweet tea" from Mickey D's (real tea, not that fake stuff...soooo good!! and yes, those are my knees!), (b) laughter, (c) a camera (with me on zoom lens and son not on zoom...and laughter and jokes about how often mom zooms!) and (d) music. We listened to much and I was treated to music I would not otherwise have listened to, some of which I will share over the next little while. Interesting getting to know your child's taste in music and then discovering that there is much you enjoy!

This one in particular resonated both times we drove through this state...once down I-77 and back up I-79 for a longer and more clear look at the state. And yes, we sang top of our voices, harmonizing and with accents!!!

What Time Does the Maid Come By?

I'm having a difficult time adjusting to being "home". I have to make my own breakfast (no complimentary continental breakfast waiting on the counter when I awoke), I have to make my own bed (eh..that isn't really necessary...it can wait) and the only water I've heard is the toilet flushing and the pouring rain from last night. Not really "tides" but the swirl of the water in the toilet bowl could vaguely be considered "waves".

I'd say it's time to pick up where I left off when I drove out of here on the 8th, but I'd rather not. Instead I think I will pick up right from "here", from this moment and start fresh. As I'm sorting through all the goodies we brought home, putting laundry away in it's rightful spots, I also think I will do some tossing and rejecting. Getting rid of things I don't want or need. It amazes me how much "stuff" I have that for some reason I thought I needed. Living out of a suitcase and in spare quarters for over a week made me realize how much I can do without.

Except shoes. Yeah, I came home with 3 pairs of shoes...with great sales in the U.S. I picked up 3 pairs of shoes for under $50 total. I love the no tax on clothing in Pennsylvania (!). I got the above shoes for $12.99 (originally $50) which are perfect for finishing out the summer. My only disappointment was the pair of Chinese Laundry t-strap wedges that were just a little tight and didn't come in a half size larger. Some things are just not meant to be (like making my bed today....).

I'm thinking "vacation mode" may become permanent....

Still In Holiday Mood ♥ Mode

Heat of around 102 degrees most days, sunshine, beautiful breezes, wine, beer, morning walks on the beach, evening walks on the beach, sleeping late, eating whenever, laughing about the number of Eagles and Wings beach stores there are every 10 feet, laughing about the fact that the fridge in our MB hotel had an ice maker in the freezer....we thought we had none but kept hearing this "banging" noise, which turned out to be the ice falling into the bucket! Beautiful scenery on the trip down and the trip back, driving through NY, PA, OH, W.VA, VA, NC and into SC. Getting my fill of all my favourite stores in the U.S. Finding my Charles Shaw wine at Trader Joe's in Charlotte, NC...no longer "two buck chuck" as it is now $2.99 per bottle..but same great taste! Incredibly LARGE portions in the U.S. which I will never become accustomed to (half of what they serve is "normal" for me), reading (not as much as I thought I'd do -- I spent more time rocking on the balcony looking at the water!). Noticing how much the area has changed over the years because of hurricane damage. Realizing that serendipity is a wonderful thing..the hotel I chose has been built on the site of the place we used to always stay when we'd go down. I had no idea. But somehow I was guided. A wonderful adventure spending adult time with my son. An opportunity I'm glad to have had.

Back to reality...though I'm not in any rush and all that laundry can wait. Missing the ocean.....

Life is a Highway.......

Taking off for a few days for some R&R, some frothy ocean time, some sun time (if there is any!), and just feeling the breeze as we travel down the road. I'm looking forward to spending time with my son, just the two of us. We travel well together. We both enjoy road trips, making new discoveries along life's highway. We enjoy the same things, we have similar personalities. I'm rather blessed that way which I realize. ♥ See you soon!

Whee....here we go....Life is a Highway!!!!!!!!!

Beautiful Faces ♥

The Queen of Arts was sharing this video on her blog the other day and I loved it. I love the music of course, but more than that, I was so taken with the expressions on the childrens faces. Just filled me with joy! Tell me that you can watch this and not be moved by these faces!!

What Would Happen....

photo originally uploaded to flickr by HeatherLouise

I love this thought that Patti Digh left on twitter last week ...

"what would happen if you showed up as you are"

Think of the possibilities, of the opportunities, of the bliss of just being who you are and taking chances with that. It isn't about others accepting us as we are...it's about us accepting ourselves for who we are, as we are.

What does it mean to you? What would happen if you showed up as you are?

My ReBirth Happy Birthday

I love it when I see any of the various doctors I have and I can share a laugh. Not only does it break any tension I might be feeling, it helps us to connect on a very simple level. It makes us equals and so we come to the table as two people...one who is there to give help and one who needs help. Laughter removes any barrier to intimidation or superiority that might be felt by one or the other and allows us to just be ourselves.

Some doctors laugh more readily than others. And I believe that some doctors have forgotten how to laugh...they are so wrapped up in their work and in their schedules that doing something as simple as laughing is almost foreign to them. They only need reminding. I have yet to meet a doctor that I have not spent some time sharing laughter. I did have one surgeon many years ago who took himself extremely seriously and I was told on many occasions that the nurses were terrified of him. He had (and most definitely probably still does) very high standards of himself and those around him. The day I made him laugh was a victory for me...and a surprise to so many others.

The surgeon I had for my breast surgeries is someone who never takes himself too seriously. He takes his work seriously, he takes his patients' welfare and well being seriously but he is human and allows that to show through. When I made him laugh the days he did both my surgeries, I knew I was in excellent hands. Today we shared much laughter as he was giving me my mammogram results. Yes, the results were good, but I believe that even had they not been, we would still have found something to laugh about. He's just that kind of person.

I discussed with him the controversy about "when" you start counting your survivorship. Some schools of thought say when you have finished treatment. Some say it is after surgery. Personally I have started counting from the day I was diagnosed. According to this wonderful man, counting from any point started many years ago when doctors were trying to keep track of how life expectancy changed as treatments for breast cancer improved over the years. As far as being able to mark when it is safe, he reminded me that it is never really "safe". There is no magic number you reach where you can say "that's it, I beat this, it's not coming back" because really, no one knows that. One of the great mysteries. His philosophy is much like mine. It's one day at a time and you have "this" day and it is good. But he did agree with me...from the date of diagnosis is the time to start counting forward.

When I told him that I started counting from the day of my diagnosis to this point which is now four years, 3 months to the day ... and counting, I also told him that I consider the whole experience a rebirth and I am officially 4 years young now. Wishing that I knew then what I know now...I look forward to my 5th birthday. To which we both burst out laughing. And he's very much looking forward to celebrating my 5th birthday with me next summer.

*photo found on google.com

Celebrate - Take One Day

Celebrate. Take one day out of life. Do it. Every day can be a celebration. Life is good.

Rita Vindedzis of Red Banana ...

Saturday was a beautiful day -- sunny and warm. Almost too hot with the humidity, but not one word of complaint slipped through my lips. We haven't had much heat or sunshine this summer so what we get is a gift.

One of my fellow Torontonian blogger friends and fellow etsians is having a showing at Arts on Queen in the Beach area of Toronto and I very much wanted to head down that way to say hello and see Rita Vindedzis's art up close and personal. Rita was attending the opening for the afternoon and it was an ideal opportunity to meet.

Rita's artwork as you can see in the background of these photographs is amazing. What you see "in the flesh" is more incredible than what you are able to perceive when viewing online.

It was a delight to meet Rita and if you are in the Toronto area during the month of August, why not pop down to Arts on Queen at 2198 Queen St. E. Toronto. Rita's work will be showcased until the 31st. If you aren't in Toronto but would like to see Rita's work, please check out her etsy shop, Red Banana.

Time for a Change

I've been thinking about change around here...time to clean up and declutter. And in keeping with my thoughts of the beach and the ocean, this template and header just seemed perfect for me.

This is courtesy of Simply Fabulous Blogger Templates...

I see myself doing some of the above in the not too distant future (okay, maybe not the cartwheels or handstands, but never say never...)

Beach Bliss

I've been dreaming of the beach -- while awake -- for weeks now. I have this urge, this need to see the ocean, put my feet into the froth and foam, to smell the salty air, to walk the sandy miles, to listen to the tides, to wake with my coffee and watch the water to watch the sun sink into the water. I'm inclining more and more towards doing something about that "urge".

When I saw this bathroom photograph in "Country Living" I could see myself in that tub...a little bit of bliss!!! What's filling your "urge" for bliss these days?

*photo from Country Living magazine